Which in duration, equal I have made,
          To those of Memphis, where the Nile’s proud course
          Majestically flows from hidden source. 
          The cruel Parcae are to us unknown;
          We wond’rous magick pow’rs have often shown;
          But wretched, spite of this, appears our lot
          Death never comes, though various ills we’ve got,
          For we to human maladies are prone,
          And suffer greatly oft, I freely own.

          Once, in each week to serpents we are changed;
          Do you remember how you here arranged,
          To save an adder from a clown’s attack? 
          ’Twas I, the furious rustick wished to hack,
          When you assisted me to get away;
          For recompense, my friend, without delay,
          I’ll you procure the kindness of the fair,
          Who makes you love and drives you to despair: 
          We’ll go and see her:—­be assured from me,
          Before two days are passed, as I foresee,
          You’ll gain, by presents, Argia and the rest,
          Who round her watch, and are the suitor’s pest. 
          Grudge no expense, be gen’rous, and be bold,
          Your handfuls scatter, lavish be of gold. 
          Assured you shall not want the precious ore;
          For I command the whole of Plutus’ store,
          Preserved, to please me, in the shades below;
          This charmer soon our magick pow’r shall know.

          Thebetter to approach the cruel belle,
          And to your suit her prompt consent compel,
          Myself transformed you’ll presently perceive;
          And, as a little dog, I’ll much achieve,
          Around and round I’ll gambol o’er the lawn,
          And ev’ry way attempt to please and fawn,
          While you, a pilgrim, shall the bag-pipe play;
          Come, bring me to the dame without delay.

          Nosooner said, the lover quickly changed,
          Together with the fairy, as arranged;
          A pilgrim he, like Orpheus, piped and sang;
          While Manto, as a dog, skipt, jumped, and sprang.

          Theythus proceeded to the beauteous dame;
          Soon valets, maids, and others round them came;
          The dog and pilgrim gave extreme delight
          And all were quite diverted at the sight.

The lady heard the noise, and sent her maid, To learn the reason why they romped and played:  She soon returned and told the lovely belle, A spaniel danced, and even spoke so well, it ev’ry thing could fully understand, And showed obedience to the least command.  ’Twere better come herself and take a view:  The things were wond’rous that the dog could do.

          Thedame at any price the dog would buy,
          In case the master should the boon deny.